Travelling with children under the age of 18
What are the requirements?
In cases where the Unabridged Birth Certificate is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by a sworn translation issued by a competent authority in the country concerned.
Children travelling with both parents:
A child travelling with both parents will be required to travel with their passport and Unabridged Birth Certificate.
Children travelling with only one parent:
When a child travels with only one parent, he/she will require a passport, Unabridged Birth Certificate, an affidavit in which the absent parent gives consent for the child to travel and a court order granting full parental responsibilities, or legal guardianship of the child, or the death certificate of the absent parent. The affidavit should be no more than 3 months old from date of travel.
Children travelling accompanied but without either parent:
In the case of a child travelling with a person other than a parent, the Unabridged Birth Certificate must be supplemented by affidavits from the parents or legal guardians confirming that the child may travel with that person, copies of the ID documents or passports of the parents or legal guardian, and the contact details of the parents or legal guardian.
Children travelling on their own as unaccompanied minors:
A child travelling as an unaccompanied minor has to produce not only the Unabridged Birth Certificate, but also proof of consent from both parents or legal guardians and contact details, plus documentation relating to the person receiving the child in South Africa. The latter documentation should include a letter stating the person’s contact details and residential address, contact details where the child will be residing, plus a copy of his or her ID document, passport or residence permit.
